Technology in Traffic Management

As everyone in the construction industry knows, the traffic control component of any project is considerably more complicated than a simple lane closure. Not only is the right equipment needed, a project’s success also requires traffic control companies to seamlessly manage workflow and resources, maintain regulatory compliance and provide solid on-the-job experience.

The end goal for any traffic control company is to maximize road safety while designing and executing a program that helps the owner complete the job on time and on budget. More than ever before, technology stands as one of the most important factors in helping to reach these goals. Furthermore, it’s only becoming more critical as traffic control companies — and other members of the construction team — realize the many benefits technology brings to the project.

Maximized Project Efficiencies
At companies like Traffic Management Inc. (TMI), experts have developed proprietary resource management software to minimize paper planning. This has led to greater efficiency, leaving less room for error and improving the quality of communication throughout projects. With construction deadlines already in place by the time a traffic control company is engaged on a typical construction project, working quickly and effectively is crucial. These types of software systems have enabled crews to produce computer-generated schedules that are easily updated, to provide project managers with instant access to resources and keep projects moving smoothly and efficiently as demands and conditions change.

The role of traffic control companies on construction projects is to ensure that the appropriate traffic permits are received and that skilled labor is available at the jobsite. The permit process is the means by which an appropriate granting agency avoids conflicting lane closures at any given time. Having intuitive, adaptable resource management software in place helps teams to implement a traffic control program within a given deadline. It also enables companies to account for permit approval lead times and to ensure that the appropriate permits are attained in a timely fashion.

Finally, resource management software lets traffic control companies coordinate traffic teams, scheduling them to perform in a seamless fashion. This software allows up-to-the-minute communication notifications to be sent to project managers, notifying them of any changes that will impact the project, including labor availability, conflicting lane closures or other conditions.   

High Levels of Traffic Safety    
Aside from providing optimal workflow and resource management capabilities, traffic management technology establishes a high level of traffic safety on the jobsite. It accomplishes this by mapping an inspection process that accounts for project equipment before and after each job and tracking the skill level and certifications of each employee working on a project. A thorough inspection checklist evaluates each piece of equipment, step-by-step, identifying any problems that need attention, in real time.

Construction projects can vary in complexity and duration. Mistakes not only delay projects but also jeopardize the safety of the workers and the public. By integrating technology into the labor-allocation process, traffic management companies can make sure they have the most suitable personnel on each job and in a location where they provide the greatest benefit to the project.

For instance, certain software allows crews to identify which workers assigned to a job are certified to operate a certain piece of equipment. It also shows whether they’ve been trained to work in high-risk areas, and how much training an employee has received for installing specific traffic control devices. Technology allows all this information to be available at a glance in the project planning process, ultimately saving the owner valuable time, resources and money.

Closing the Gap    
Even though construction, like other sectors, has experienced static to negative growth over the last few years, recent industry research shows the market is starting to bounce back. Yet, in spite of the rise in construction activity, owners are still extremely budget-conscious, taking every measure to ensure their projects are built as efficiently and economically as possible.

Budget shortfalls are an issue for many projects, particularly in the public sector. The liability for accidents has not decreased, nor has the importance of safety. Smaller budgets may potentially lead to a lack of available inspectors, while regulations continue to evolve. Construction companies concerned about project efficiency and safety must look for expert traffic control partners with the right technology, certifications and key relationships with project stakeholders.

Choosing a well-run, safety-oriented traffic control company with strong relationships with the concerned agencies can help ensure that regulatory compliance and safety remains a high priority from a project’s beginning to the end. An experienced traffic management company will also give owners peace of mind knowing that permits are requested with accuracy and timeliness, helping the construction team to complete the project on time.

Choosing a partner for your projects that creates and implements technology to improve safety and efficiency is essential to the overall success of the project, from start to finish. Technology plays an integral role in establishing consistency and reducing the chance for error in every step of the project — from creating a plan to obtaining permits in a timely fashion to staffing the project with skilled workers. Mistakes can be costly in many ways. However, the leading companies in the traffic control industry that are embracing technology and implementing it in their everyday operations set high standards for safety and efficiency, bringing a tremendous benefit to every project.

Jonathan Spano is the COO of Traffic Management Inc., based in Long Beach, Calif.